Living & Working in Austria

10. EDUCATION
10.1 Education and Training – Overview
Very young and pre-school children are taken care of in crèches (Kinderkrippe) (for babies and very
young children up to 3 years of age) as well as nursery schools and (public and private) kindergartens
and pre-schools (Kindergarten, Vorschule). The demand for crèches and kindergartens is often
greater than the available places.
There is a growing trend for very young children to be cared for in very small groups by “day-care
parents” (Tageseltern) – especially in small cities and agricultural regions.
Education is compulsory for all children permanently living in Austria from the age of six. Schooling
is compulsory for nine years in Austria (from 6 – 15 years of age); attendance of public schools is
free of charge. Public schooling is free.
After children have successfully completed their first four years of compulsory primary school
(Volksschule/Grundschule), they may either attend the lower level of a main general secondary
school (Hauptschule) – also called cooperative secondary school (Kooperative Mittelschule) – the
lower level of a secondary academic school (Unterstufe der Allgemeinbildenden höheren Schule).
Also a pilot programme Neue Mittelschule or „new secondary school“ is offered at some schools in
Austria. The aim of this programme offering a joint school for children between 10 and 14 years of
age is to address each pupil and their personal talents individually and hence offer a joint school with
stronger internal differentiation. The curriculum of the lower level of a secondary academic school
(Unterstufe der Allgemeinbildenden höheren Schule – AHS) is used in this pilot programme.
For their ninth year of schooling, children may attend a pre-vocational course (Polytechnische
Schule), a vocational intermediate school (weiterführende berufsbildende Schule) as well as the
upper level of a secondary academic school or at the upper level of a secondary grammar school
(Oberstufengymnasium). The pre-vocational course (Polytechnische Schule) prepares with
vocational placements and professional theory training for apprenticeships or vocational schools.
There are also special schools (special needs education/including training) for children with mental
and/or physical disabilities or special educational needs which cover the first eight to nine years of
schooling. Alternatively, a vocation preparatory year can be taken in the ninth school year; possibly
followed by integrative vocational training.
Following completion of their ninth year of schooling, young people have the option of professional
training in the form of an apprenticeship (vocational school and apprenticeship – dual training
system), of entering the workforce or of continuing their education at a secondary school.
http://www.oead.at/fileadmin/oead_zentrale/willkommen_in_oe/Bildungssystem/Education_
System_WEB.pdf
Intermediate-level secondary technical respectively vocational schools, health sector and
nursing schools entitle students to exercise an occupation according to the type of school attended.
Graduates of these schools may take diploma and school leaving examinations through extension
courses.
Graduation from an academic secondary school or intermediate-level secondary technical respectively
vocational school and passing the corresponding school-leaving examination entitles students to
enrol in educational colleges, universities of applied sciences, academies, colleges, universities, etc.
However, young people and adults who have not passed the school leaving examination entitling to
enrolment at universities may still be admitted to higher educational institutions through secondary
educational path (the academic qualification tests (Studienberechtigungsprüfung), the
matriculation exam for professionals (Berufsreifeprüfung), Matura examination for vocational
trainees (Berufsmatura), or Matura examinations for external candidates (Externistenmatura)).
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